Sr. R&D Engineer (Sr. Aeronautical Engineer)

Company Overview General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters. Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Job Summary Seeking a Sr. Aeronautical Engineer skilled in aerodynamic design for precision‑guided projectiles. Role includes CFD analysis, trade studies, model development, wind‑tunnel support, process optimization, documentation, and cross-team design validation.

Impact of the Role

General Profile

Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines

Solves complex problems

Works independently, receives minimal guidance

May lead projects or project steps within a broader project or may have accountability for on-going activities or objectives

Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience

Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions

Conducts research, design, and development activities with the goal of developing new or improved products, processes, or services.

Collaborates with internal manufacturing partners, contract manufacturers, designers and product specialists to optimize designs for manufacturability.

Applies research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities.

Conducts market research, tracks projects, builds spreadsheets evaluating trade space, designs presentation slides, and executes business-oriented tasks.

Summarizes research results and communicates findings to internal and external bodies.

Assesses the scope of research projects and ensures projects are on time and within budget.

Develops technical documentation for all projects.

Utilizes CAD (Computer Aided Design) or CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) systems to model new designs and produce detailed engineering drawings.

Additional Responsibilities

Experience includes CFD tools (STAR‑CCM+, Fluent, CFD++), building models for performance across Mach regimes, conducting physics‑based analyses, aerodynamic trade studies, creating models for simulations, supporting wind‑tunnel tests, improving workflows, and performing parametric and optimization studies.

Required Qualifications

Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 5-7 years' experience

Discipline/Major: Engineering degree required

Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred: Bachelor's degree. Skills include CFD-based aerodynamic characterization of high‑velocity systems, wind‑tunnel testing, developing process guidelines, creating and reviewing technical reports and calculations, Matlab/Python/Simulink proficiency, HPC use, building aerodynamic databases, and using tools like PRODAS or Missile Datcom.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.

Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Travel Requirements Up to 25% travel likely.

Pay Range (USD) 109,871 - 148,649

Pay Transparency Statement The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

Benefits Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution. In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.

_____________________________ The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.